Japanese editions of albums?

Question

Why is it that Japanese releases of album often have one or two additional songs that were not on the rest of the world's release?

Answer 1

I know. I hate that. Nile's new album has a killer bonus track that is only available on the Japanese import!!

It seems to be a marketing ploy. It generates interest in that region of the world by making them feel special. That is the only reason that I can think of. It sucks. They need to stop doing that.